Roma vs SSC Napoli Prediction - Serie A Fixtures

Prepare for an exciting clash as Roma hosts league leaders SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on 2 February 2025. The match kicks off at 19:45 and promises to shape the narrative of this Serie A season.

Roma sit in 9th position with 30 points, aiming to climb the table. They come off a b victory over Udinese and haven’t lost since mid-December. Under Claudio Ranieri’s management, Paulo Dybala has been pivotal, starting eight consecutive Serie A games and contributing key goals and assists.

On the opposite end, Napoli leads the table with 53 points. Despite selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, Romelu Lukaku has stepped up with 9 goals and 7 assists. Napoli defeated Juventus recently, handing them their first loss of the season, showing their dominance under Antonio Conte.

Given both teams’ form, a recommended bet is for both teams to score at odds of 1.83. This match isn’t just another fixture; it’s a crucial encounter in the broader drama of Serie A.

Roma vs SSC Napoli Prediction & Betting Tip

• Both teams have been prolific in front of goal, with Roma averaging 1.80 goals and Napoli 2.20 goals in their last 5 matches.
• Napoli’s dominant position (1st) and Roma’s opportunity to climb the table add to the competitive edge of this fixture.
• Recent matches for both sides have shown a tendency to concede, making the ‘both teams to score’ bet attractive.

Roma vs SSC Napoli Odds

SSC Napoli are the favorites heading into this Serie A clash at Stadio Olimpico. The odds reflect their impressive form this season as they sit atop the league standings. Roma, on the other hand, are mid-table but have shown resilience under Claudio Ranieri. Despite the disparity in standings, a draw or a Roma upset could offer rewarding payouts for the risk-taker.

Roma Team Analysis

Roma have displayed a solid run of form recently:

Roma have scored an average of 1.80 goals per game in the last 5 matches and maintained 1 clean sheet. They are consistent in their goal-scoring abilities but need to tighten their defense to secure more wins. Coach Claudio Ranieri will look to maximize this recent form against the table-toppers Napoli.

Roma Key Players

Roma’s key players include top scorer Artem Dovbyk, who has netted 8 goals so far this season. Paulo Dybala, fresh off his contract extension, remains a crucial figure with 5 goals and 3 assists, showcasing his creative flair. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tommaso Baldanzi will be integral in midfield battles, while Manu Koné‘s recent performances have been promising. Key individual battles include Dovbyk against Napoli’s solid central defender Amir Rrahmani, which could be a focal point.

Expected lineup for Roma:

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defenders: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Devyne Rensch
• Midfielders: Mehmet Zeki Celik, Kouadio Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, Angeliño, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tommaso Baldanzi
• Attacker: Artem Dovbyk

Dybala’s playmaking ability, despite his substitution history, could be decisive against Napoli’s robust defense.

Roma Suspensions & Injuries

Roma does not have any suspensions affecting their squad, allowing Claudio Ranieri to field his best possible lineup for the crucial match against SSC Napoli. However, they do have a notable injury concern, as detailed below:

Mario Hermoso’s potential absence could impact Roma’s defensive stability, especially against Napoli’s potent attacking lineup led by Romelu Lukaku. Claudio Ranieri may need to adjust his backline strategies to cover for Hermoso’s possible unavailability, relying on the likes of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N’Dicka to step up.

Roma Tactics and Formation

Roma Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Artem Dovbyk
• Midfield Anchor: Manu Koné
• Defensive Stability: Hermoso’s potential absence, but Mancini and N’Dicka to step up.
• Notable Strategy: Effective wing play with Zeki Celik and Angeliño providing width.

Roma looks set to rely on a back three with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, and Devyne Rensch forming the core of their defense. The midfield is likely to feature dynamic players like Angeliño and Zeki Celik on the flanks, along with central midfielders Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli tasked with controlling the game’s tempo. Artem Dovbyk will spearhead the attack, supported by attacking midfielders Tommaso Baldanzi and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Expect Roma to exploit the wings to stretch Napoli’s defense and create scoring opportunities. Claudio Ranieri’s tactical emphasis will likely be on maintaining defensive solidity while capitalizing on quick transitions to catch Napoli off guard.

SSC Napoli Team Analysis

SSC Napoli have been in sensational form lately, boasting an impressive five-game winning streak.

Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, they have demonstrated a solid defense with three clean sheets in their last five matches. Napoli’s average goal-scoring rate stands at 2.20 goals per game during this period, showcasing their attacking prowess. This exemplary run has cemented them at the top of the Serie A table with 53 points.

SSC Napoli Key Players

SSC Napoli are riding high at the top of the Serie A table, thanks to standout performances from key players. Romelu Lukaku leads the attacking line and is the club’s top scorer with 9 goals. His physicality and goal-scoring prowess will be crucial against Roma’s defense. EXPECTED LINEUP FOR SSC NAPOLI:

• Goalkeeper: Alex Meret
• Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Leonardo Spinazzola
• Midfielders: Andre Zambo Anguissa, Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka
• Attackers: Matteo Politano, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres

Keep an eye on the midfield battle, particularly with Scott McTominay’s distribution skills and Zambo Anguissa’s defensive aptitude clashing with Roma’s midfield maestros. Both Lukaku and Politano will look to exploit any defensive lapses by Roma, with the potential for key individual battles against Gianluca Mancini and Evan N’Dicka.

SSC Napoli Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries could affect Napoli’s depth and rotation, especially in defense. Alessandro Buongiorno, a reliable center-back, is doubtful with a rib injury, which might impact defensive stability. Mathías Olivera’s muscle injury removes a key option at left-back, placing additional pressure on Leonardo Spinazzola to perform consistently.

Fortunately, no suspensions are adding to the team’s troubles, allowing Antonio Conte to field a b line-up against Roma.

SSC Napoli Tactics and Formation

SSC Napoli’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Romelu Lukaku
• Midfield Trio: Andre Zambo Anguissa, Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 61st to 75th-minute interval.

Antonio Conte has Napoli operating in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, with Romelu Lukaku leading the line. The midfield trio of Anguissa, McTominay, and Lobotka provides a balanced mix of defensive resilience and creative flair.

Napoli’s defensive solidity is underscored by three clean sheets in their last five matches, showing their capability to stifle opponents effectively. Look out for their high-intensity attacking bursts, especially during the second half, where they frequently press hard between the 61st and 75th minutes. This tactical nuance could be a game-changer against Roma.